At Representative Bob Cortes’s request, a Memorandum of Understanding between the Florida and Puerto Rico Departments of Education successfully addressed issues for displaced high school seniors.

Representative Bob Cortes today announced the successful results of the partnership he initiated between the Florida and Puerto Rico Departments of Education following Hurricane Maria last fall. Cortes recognized the education challenges displaced students relocating to Florida faced and was an early leader in working to ensure a smooth transition to Florida schools. As a result of his efforts, a high percentage of high school seniors who relocated graduated on time, with some opting to receive a Puerto Rico diploma. Cortes, a Puerto Rican American, worked closely with Florida Education Commissioner Pam Stewart and Puerto Rico Secretary of Education Julia Keleher to make this option available.

Effective August 1, Flagler College is a smoke- and tobacco-free campus. The college passed a 100% smoke-free policy that prohibits the use of all smoking products including cigarettes, loose-leaf tobacco, chewing tobacco, and simulated smoking products, such as Juuls, e-cigarettes and vapes. [Read more…] about Flagler College passes Smoke- and Tobacco-Free Policy

Live music, seafood dinner, silent auction among highlights

The best way to learn about the Gulf is to get out on it, and the Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratory’s annual Sharks & Chablis fundraiser will be held on Saturday, May 19, to raise money for a new research boat. This year’s much-anticipated event will generate funds to go specifically toward the C-Hawk Turtle Rescue & Offshore Specimen Research boat, dedicated to the discovery, research, and preservation of marine life.

“We’re thrilled to host our annual Sharks & Chablis event to benefit a new research boat,” says Cypress Rudloe, executive director of the Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratory, located in Panacea. “It’s such a pleasure every year to bring together local businesses, community leaders, and residents alike to enjoy themselves while raising funds for the lab’s many important research programs.”

New institute will provide curriculum and events to prepare students for careers in sales; collaborate with Tampa Bay business community for training opportunities and networking

The University of Tampa has announced a new institute tasked with the primary mission of educating interested students of all majors in sales methodologies and preparing them for careers in sales.

The Institute for Sales Excellence, based in UT’s Sykes College of Business, will have four specific functions: (1) prepare students for careers in professional business-to-business sales, (2) encourage networking between students and businesses, (3) serve as a staffing resource for regional, national and global firms, and (4) provide learning resources for local and regional businesses.

The Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart today announced long-time law enforcement officer Damien Kelly as director of the newly created Office of Safe Schools. Following the tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Governor Rick Scott signed into law the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act. One component of the comprehensive law is the creation of the Office of Safe Schools within the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) and the appointment of its director.

On March 23, Governor Rick Scott sent a letter to district superintendents and school board members that set deadlines FDOE and each school district must meet. Governor Scott directed FDOE to hire a director for the newly created Office of Safe Schools by May 1, 2018.